This memorial website was created to remember Stephen Gale Bowman who was born in Pigeon, Michigan on September 19, 1949 and passed away on October 11, 2008. He will live forever in our memories and hearts.
Stephen Gale Bowman, 59, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away at 11:42 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2008, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield, Illinois.
Stephen was born on September 19, 1949 in Pigeon, Michigan, a son of Henry P. and Nellie Ruth (Demming) Bowman. They preceded him in death. He married Leslie L. Mower on June 11, 1977 in Lima, Ohio. She survives.
He is also survived by his daughters, Dina M. (Walt) Deeb of Elyria, Ohio, Amy J. (Mark) Benney of Lima and Andrea L. Bowman of Peoria; son, Stephen Aron (Dawn) Bowman of Peoria; grandchildren, Brittany, Carmelle, Jackson, Victoria, Mackenzie, Noah, McKenna and Jonah; great grandchildren, Miles and James; sisters, Eva, Inez, Grace, Ruth, and Julia; brothers, Neil, Wayne and Bruce; and his devoted companion and shadow, Bailey.
Stephen was a U.S. Army Vietnam Veteran, serving from May 11, 1969 to May 11, 1972. He attained the rank of Sergeant.
After his honorable discharge from the Army, he began his career with Monroe Systems for Business in Lima. He was transferred to Peoria in 1979 and spent the last fourteen years as a service manager for American Business Systems in Peoria.
Stephen was a former member of Zion Lutheran Church in Peoria and a current member and past Council President of Bethel Lutheran Church in Bartonville, Illinois. He was also a past-president and former member, for over twenty-five years, of the Bartonville Lions Club.
He enjoyed listening to Bluegrass music, cheering for the Chicago Cubs, building model trains, camping, fishing and playing with his grandchildren. There is nowhere else he would rather be than at the campground with his grandchildren.
Stephen overcame great adversity early in his life. He was a great father and grandfather and was a fantastic husband. He was everyone’s friend and was always willing to help anyone…and he could fix anything. He will be remembered as a volunteer and a hardworking family man.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 17, 2008, at Bethel Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Dr. Philip D. Lund officiating. Visitation will be from 5:30 to 8:30 on Thursday, October 16, 2008, at Clary Funeral Home in Peoria and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday.
Interment will be at Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria, with military honors provided by the U.S. Army.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Bethel Lutheran Church.
he makes a great paw paw i could never forget all his tricks he put a string on the cabinet and attached it to the garbage and made a magic garbage can when you open the cabinet door the garbage can magically opens
| Don & Denise Damm |
Friend |
October 22, 2008 |
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Steve had a very big heart. We are so lucky to have known him. Our deepest sympathies to all of you.
| Holly O'Brien(Wehrli) |
Friend |
October 21, 2008 |
Leslie, Aron, Andi, and all of your family,
I was so sorry to hear the sad news. I will always remember growing up with you guys and I always remember your dad at church. He was always a really nice man who worked hard for his family and all those he loved. He lived for his family. I will keep you in my prayers that God may give you comfort in knowing that he is safe in heaven with God now. I know he will always be looking down on all of you smiling and wishing you were with him. May God Bless you and keep you in his care. Love always, Holly O'Brien(Wehrli)
| Jane Centers |
Good friend |
October 18, 2008 |
Hi Amy,
I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father. I looked at the slide show and can certainly tell what a wonderful man he was and oh, so handsome! Know now where you got your good looks from.
I am here for you ANYTIME you want/need to talk to me. You know that! I do want to do that soon.
Again, I'm so sorry. I will pray for you and your family as you go through the grieving process of losing someone so special. I certainly know what it feels like to lose a parent.
With love & prayers,
Jane
| Melanie Miller |
Friend |
October 17, 2008 |
Dear Leslie, Aron, Andi, Dina, Amy,
I am so sorry to hear of Steve's passing. He was such a special person. I'll miss him greatly. I feel priviledged to have known him.
Leslie you and Steve were always there for me and Frank. I think of you both as our surrogate parents. You were there for us when we lost our parents.
Thank you both. I'm quite sure that he and my parents are together again.
My deepest sympathies to all of you.
Steve will never be forgotten.
| Becky (Schneider) Bair |
Friend |
October 17, 2008 |
Sorry to hear of you loss. My heart and hugs go out to all of you.
